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What is the Fastest Plane?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

As of 2010, the fastest plane in active service was the MiG-25 Foxbat, developed for the Russian military with a stated top speed of Mach 2.83. However, several historic aircraft have gone faster, and a number of experimental aircraft have also broken this speed record. It is also important to note that the top speed of many military aircraft is classified, and it is highly likely that the identity of the fastest plane is not known and will never be known unless the military opts to declassify it.

The military has an interest in keeping such information classified. No nation's military wants to alert other countries about the full potential of its capabilities. While many experimental aircraft are tested publicly and profiled to alert other countries to the fact that certain types of aircraft are in development, their top speeds and full capabilities are not released because this could threaten operational security in the event that the aircraft entered service and was used in a military conflict.

Though not the world's absolute fastest aircraft, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor can accelerate to and sustain supersonic speeds without the use of its afterburners.
Though not the world's absolute fastest aircraft, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor can accelerate to and sustain supersonic speeds without the use of its afterburners.

When exploring aircraft speed records, one must consider what qualifies as a “plane.” The space shuttle, for example, exceeds the speed of all aircraft, but it is technically a spacecraft, not a plane. Likewise, spaceplanes which are capable of high speeds are also classified as spacecraft, and thus can't be considered in a record. If rocket engines are acceptable and a plane doesn't need a pilot, the fastest plane is the X-43, an experimental aircraft developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which set a record of Mach 9.6 in 2004.

NASA currently uses former USAF SR-71s (top, center) for high speed, high altitude experiments.
NASA currently uses former USAF SR-71s (top, center) for high speed, high altitude experiments.

The fastest piloted plane, again if rocket engines are allowable, is the X-15, which reaches a declared top speed of Mach 6.72. The X-15 was retired from service in 1970 as additional planes in the X series were developed. If rocket engines would disqualify an entry, the SR-71 Blackbird, also a retired aircraft, is the fastest plane, with a publicly recorded top speed of over Mach three.

The Space Shuttle traveled at supersonic speeds during parts of its mission.
The Space Shuttle traveled at supersonic speeds during parts of its mission.

In terms of passenger aircraft, the fastest plane ever developed was the Tupolev Tu-144, which reached a top speed of Mach 2.35. However, this aircraft proved to be unsafe in service and it was quickly retired, allowing the Concorde, with a top speed of Mach 2.23, to hold the record for the fastest passenger plane. It should be noted that the Concorde rarely reached this speed in active service due to limitations on the aircraft and that speed records in general are recorded under ideal conditions and many planes with stated top speeds rarely actually attained those speeds.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Babalaas

There are many different categories of plane that must be considered when discussing the world’s fastest plane. Besides the jet engine and rocket powered planes mentioned in the article there are turbo props, business jets, U.S. military strike fighters, U.S. military bombers, biplanes, and gliders among others.

The world's fastest turboprop is the Piaggio Ferrari P180 Avanti II. This aircraft can reach speeds of 460 mph and seats 9. It is also one of the more fuel-efficient business planes.

Cessna holds the record for world’s fastest jet powered business plane. Their Citation x can top 600 mph and can make a trip from L.A. to New York in a little over 4 hours.

The fastest Biplane is the 320+ mph Fiat CR.42 Falco. The Falco was a military biplane that used to escort Italian bombers on missions.

The fastest glider in the world is the Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4, which can cruise at speeds approaching 190 mph.

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    • Though not the world's absolute fastest aircraft, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor can accelerate to and sustain supersonic speeds without the use of its afterburners.
      By: dreamnikon
      Though not the world's absolute fastest aircraft, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor can accelerate to and sustain supersonic speeds without the use of its afterburners.
    • NASA currently uses former USAF SR-71s (top, center) for high speed, high altitude experiments.
      NASA currently uses former USAF SR-71s (top, center) for high speed, high altitude experiments.
    • The Space Shuttle traveled at supersonic speeds during parts of its mission.
      The Space Shuttle traveled at supersonic speeds during parts of its mission.